2013 NFL Draft: Pre-Combine Mock Draft

63. Kansas City Chiefs: Bacarri Rambo, FS, Georgia

The Kansas City Chiefs should be in the market for a playmaker at free safety to start next to Eric Berry in the back end of their secondary. They could get that from Georgia’s Bacarri Rambo, an athletic and physical safety who can be an upgrade in coverage and has good ball skills.

Cornelius Carradine looked like a first-round pick before tearing his ACL in November, but if he falls due to his injury, he could be a steal early in Round 3. A very talented pass-rusher, Carradine could be a good fit to play the LEO position in Gus Bradley’s defense, a defense that needs pass-rush help.

Given that the Lions already released Kyle Vanden Bosch, are likely to lose Cliff Avril as an unrestricted free agent and Lawrence Jackson is also a free agent, the Lions should be looking to draft multiple defensive ends early on draft weekend.

Michigan State’s William Gholston is among the best players available on the board, and is a bigger, stronger pass-rusher who could form a very strong tandem going forward with Alex Okafor.

66. Oakland Raiders: Jamar Taylor, CB, Boise State

The Oakland Raiders absolutely need to upgrade at cornerback this offseason. Jamar Taylor, an instinctive, physical cornerback from Boise State, would fit the bill as a quality early third-round selection.

Khaseem Greene would be a steal if still available as a third-round pick, and could fill the Philadelphia Eagles’ need for a weakside linebacker. Greene could slide as an undersized linebacker who is not a pass-rusher, but he is a sideline-to-sideline playmaker who could be a much-needed upgrade in the Eagles’ linebacker corps.

68. Cleveland Browns: David Amerson, CB, North Carolina State

David Amerson’s stock dipped sharply over the course of a very up-and-down junior season, but he has first-round ball skills and playmaking ability. If he becomes more consistent both in coverage and as a tackler, he has the measurables and skill set to be a very good No. 2 cornerback opposite Joe Haden in Cleveland.

Having already drafted an offensive tackle, the Cardinals also need to upgrade their interior line. Wisconsin’s Travis Frederick is a big, powerful interior lineman who would be a solid choice in Round 3 with the potential to start at either right guard or center, both positions where the Cardinals should be in the market for upgrades.

The Tennessee Titans really need to upgrade at safety, and should take advantage of a deep talent pool at the position in the 2013 draft class. Fresno State’s Phillip Thomas is a big, athletic safety with great ball skills, and could be a fit as a starter at either free or strong safety.

With many recent cuts on defense, the Bills’ focus in Round 3 should remain on that side of the ball. With their switch to a hybrid defense under new defensive coordinator Mike Pettine, they need to add another player who can pass-rush as an outside linebacker.

Illinois’ Michael Buchanan had a disappointing senior season, but he is a good athlete off the edge with good length and is solid as both a pass-rusher and run defender. He would be a good fit for the Bills’ new scheme.

72. New York Jets: D.J. Swearinger, FS, South Carolina

Both of the New York Jets’ starting safeties are unrestricted free agents who were brought in last season as short-term options. The Jets need to find a young playmaker at the position, and could get that in athletic, hard-hitting South Carolina free safety D.J. Swearinger.

Josh Freeman’s play has been disappointing for two years running, and the Buccaneers have no plans of extending his contract (which ends after the 2013 season) this offseason, according to the Tampa Bay Times. The Buccaneers should draft a young developmental quarterback to provide competition and be a potential successor.

Tennessee’s Tyler Bray would be a great choice for that option. With mechanical, decision-making and accuracy concerns, Bray is certainly not NFL-ready, but has very promising physical tools which make him a potentially very good quarterback if developed properly.

The San Francisco 49ers could make their great defensive front seven even better by adding a true anchor nose tackle for the middle of their defensive front. Brandon Williams is an intriguing small-school prospect with big potential. He is a massive and powerful nose with good quickness for his size.

75. New Orleans Saints: Robert Alford, CB, Southeast Louisiana

The New Orleans Saints need to upgrade at cornerback, and could do very well by adding talented local small-school prospect Robert Alford. On the rise after a strong Senior Bowl performance, Alford is a physical, instinctive cornerback who has the potential to be a very solid starter in the NFL.

The San Diego Chargers should be looking for upgrades at cornerback, especially with Quentin Jammer and Antoine Cason both unrestricted free agent. Washington’s Desmond Trufant is another cornerback on the rise, a playmaking cover corner who could be a quality starter and would be good value in Round 3.

77. Miami Dolphins: Chris Faulk, OT, LSU

Facing the possibility of losing former No. 1 overall pick Jake Long as an unrestricted free agent, the Miami Dolphins may be in need of a new starting offensive tackle next season. LSU’s Chris Faulk was a potential first-round pick before a season-ending knee injury in September, but is a potential starting offensive tackle on either side of the line if he returns to full health.

78. St. Louis Rams: Kyle Long, OL, Oregon

The St. Louis Rams need to add more than one offensive lineman in the 2013 NFL draft. Kyle Long, the brother of Rams defensive end Chris Long, would be a great choice. The younger Long is a high-upside offensive line prospect who could challenge to start or provide depth at both guard and tackle.

I read here that many think our DE position is “deep” enough and yes I guess it is. Still I’d like to see BB get yet one more guy that is an all around de. Someone that can defend the run as well as rush. Cunningham, Scott and Francis tend to be rushers, and thats okay but an all around de would give us a lot more flexability.

News is Dennard convicted of assault on police officer. That could mean 6 years.
This changes things alot! The tag is almost certainly going to be put on Talib now. It also means another cb must be drafted high or money spent for a proven cb. Only other route would be by trade and that’s far less likely. How this may effect any trade down can be argued both ways.
My new draft would be:
1#29 Xavour Rhodes cb
2#59 David Amerson cb
3#91 Kwame Gathers dt
7#x Ray Ray Armstrong s
7#y Kenny Tate ss/olb

I would be seriously surprised if Dennard spent any more than 30 days in prison. First offense, no priors, he might do a brief stint, pay a fine, and then get probation or a suspended sentence for the rest. Either way, though, some CB depth is important.

I don’t know about that. It was a police officer he cold cocked after all. 30 days seems dame little. Maybe I just showing my age. It would be good for him and the Patriots but would it send the right social message?
Yes we do need another cb, two if Talib goes. We’re lucky the draft is deep in that area but our lack of picks, espically high picks puts us at a disadvantage. The 2 sevenths are of questionable value. If Talib gets more then a slap on the wrist we’re in trouble.

I think it would be one thing if the cop were grievously injured, or if a firearm were involved, or if there were a history of violence in play, or if it had been a premeditated attack. To me, though, it seems like this was essentially a bar fight that got a little out of hand at the end. I think that violent conduct deserves punishment, certainly, but I think it is important that the punishment be proportional to the crime. In this case, the crime was relatively minor, and I doubt that a sentence of, say, two years in prison is going to benefit society, the victim, or reform the offender more than less prison time coupled with a fine and community service. Just my two cents.

And we now return to our regularly scheduled football topic. Even if Dennard gets no suspension from the NFL, and misses no games from his sentence, the team needs some talent at CB. Personally, I think Talib is gone but Arrington stays, which is fine if Arrington is relegated to the slot. That leaves a gaping hole on one side of the field; I’d like to see Desmond Trufant there, or Jordan Poyer if Trufant is unavailable.

Trufant is one of my two favorite cb’s. As you probably know Rhodes is the other. I would be very happy with either but if it was Poyer I wouldn’t fall into depression either. I like the depth this year at cb and am confident BB will address the position. Just who and when?
lol, I tried to correct my spelling of (damn) then misspelled (little). Geeze I just can’t win.

Your draft is pretty bad. To many QBs there is no way that the Jets are drafting a QB they have to much money tied up there already. Think about you picks before you make them brother. Also there is on way Alec Ogaltree is falling to the Ravens, you must be a Ravens fan if you actually think that is going to happen. Your picks are bad, I can only imagine you arent a winner

Jack you’re totally right this dude’s picks suck. I am sure that he must suck because his picks are so bad. You really think that 2 Qbs are going in round 1 and that Matt Barkley is going #1 in the 2nd round. hows the weather like in Imagination Land today butt face

I actually really like the patton pick. He just seems like a guy that bill would draft. Hes not flashy or overly talked about but he has good enough size and does every thing great. He is a senior and had constant prodution even against the better teams. Just watching him looks like he is a fit in the pats offence. I could actually see the pats taking more than one wr. There is no depth at all and theyre lucky lloyd didnt miss time last season. I think the pats are

Deep at dline unless bill want to get a 3-4 de for a switch back or a successor to vince. Theres plenty of great picks at safety in the 2nd-3rd round range. I like cyprien but his stocks rising fast. I also like zeke motta as a strong tackling ss who showed of his under rated coverage ability at the shrine game. There are also some great d players in fa that will change could everything

Surely you jest: Patton #1 when Patterson is available. D Jones at #2 (59): I’m doing a JPP handspring! Simone at #3:no way, regardless of the Myers/Vrable/BB love fest…rather a CB or SS: such as a Lester, Slay or McDonald. Wish would be to draft Arthur Brown in a Mallett trade. An OL for Dante to mold with the 7th (as long as he is 6’4″ & 310 we should be good). Ray Ray or the heat seeking missile from Syracuse with the second 7th rounder for more CB SS help. In short, a WR to stretch the field, D line help for Vince, a CB & SS, a cover LB and developmental help on the O line.Life would be good.

Not crazy about this draft. I still believe Bill must continue to rebuild def. No way will I welcome a wr with the 29. Best in my mind is still Xavior Rhodes cb. This guy can play cornor or safty, both positions of serious need. Daton Jones in the second? Come on, has he broken a leg or something? All the past few weeks he’s been being mocked in the top half of the first everywhere. If we’re talking 5 picks this is the way it should go unless results at the combine change things.
1# 29 xavior rhodes cb
2# 59 markus wheaton wr
3# 91 kwain gathers dt
7 Ray Ray Armstrong s
7 Kenny Tate olb/ss
No disrespect to other’s but this would make the most sense to fill positions of critical need with players who likely would contribute early and often.

I like Wheaton and 2nd is about right for him. I like Vellano over Gathers who I think needed another year of football. Tate is a guy very much like Cooper Taylor each had med. issues, game is very much the same.
Not sure about RayRay, I would look for a pure CB.
Rhodes has many plus’s, I’m just not sold on him, sorry.

We all have our favorits and it’s okay if your not sold on Rhodes. Ray Ray is high risk high reward kid. Great prospect from the neck down. Wouldn’d base my draft on him but for a 7th, what the heck? Gathers came out to soon, family tradition, but he has a very high up side I’m thinking so if the other two do not slide to 91 he would be a great value.

There is a need for a young wr and no doubt a fair to good one could be gotten at 91 but will they play because there better or by default? I like Wheaton who has been reported to run a 4.4/40. that’s an estimated speed, unofficial but he is fast whatever he finally times at the combine. Also he has good hands, showed the ability to get seperation and get off the line in press coverage. With just 5 picks we can’t cover all needs so something must be left to free agency or trades which are to tuff to guess at here. 5 picks could go all def but thats hard to see.

I agree, if I’m Vollmer with my injury history, I want to stay with New England, at say 4 years, 5.5 mil. So I think they sign him, and back him up with and contiune to improve Zusevics. IF they do take this road, then draft pick #91 could be DT Joe Vellano, who I think looks like Wilfork on Tape !! Great agaisnt the run, pass pressure, OK ,but no sacks.

Your thinking is sound as usual as regards Vollmer. 5.5 would seem fair or even a little more if something could be worked into his contract to cover injury in future.
I really like Joe Vellano, as do you, but I’m a little concerned because I’ve seen him listed at 6-2 285, playing weight.This time next week we should have this cleared up but can you give some update before then.

Up-date Joe Vellano;
In my opinion, this guy is very much like Vince Wilfork. Better than Jesse Williams, not quite as heavey at 290-300. The guy led the country in tackles by a DT ! He had 20 in one game! I have watch 3 full game tapes on him its always the same! High motor, team captain, moves well, sees the ball well, rarely gets knocked off his feet, and tackles well!! Holds his ground with double teams, strong, high IQ, wieght room guy, follows the ball all over the field, and never rest’s on a play!
This a guy BB will like, but where do you draft him? Most Mocks say 5th-6th, HA if BB wants him 2nd is good!!

I have seen those tapes you mention Russell and agree he looks great. I do hope he is around the 300# mark. I’ll be looking for him at the combine. Not sure Bill targets one player per choice or has a short list for each. I suspect the latter but that’s okay. Looking at the class I see three guys I’d love to see us have a choice of at DT. Vellano, Gathers and Brandon Williams from Misu so. Low 2nd or 3rd would be the range I’d expect for them to fall.

Point of fact, Vollmer had a very strong season, injury free, last year. Doesn’t mean Bill should break the bank with a multi year deal. Russell makes great sense thinking a 5.5 x 4 years would be fair. Maybe even a little more.
Hard to see why so many fans have the “grass is always greener” attitude toward proven players like Vollmer, Welker and Talib. I say if you already have someone on board that’s better, fine! But let’em walk expecting some rookie of free agent will be an upgrade is really short sighted.

Hamilton is not a good pick for GB. With four WRs already on the roster he wouldn’t even suit up. Horrible pick when they need help in so many other areas and many good players available to actually help them.

Hankins would be a very attractive pick for Tampa here, esp. if the Bucs keep Michael Bennett to play DT on passing downs. They could then target a corner, maybe moving up to the low first again.
Kenny Vacarro would also be in play at 13 IMO in this scenario.

HAHA ..Sorry, I’m not sure Rhodes will be a Patriot , But you never know. My quess is, Jordan Poyer, or Darius Slay. I think if BB goes CB he will look at a Pure CB type, with high IQ, good size,speed, an a run stopper.
I’m not sure if Joe Vellano will be at the Combine, hope so, but have seen the word as yet.

Well okay, your forgiven, lol. I think between the WR and the CB Bill has to go CB, greatest need. I’m not sure Rhodes will be either nor anyone else in particular but I hope so. I’m going to look around to see if Vellano was invited to the combine, it must be listed somewhere. Hard to believe they wouldn’t invite him over.

OK, its VERY unlikely DE Datone Jones falls to #59. There is one thing I know for sure, if BB likes/targets a player he will draft him any time forget the round!
I think Patriots trade #29 and move back into the mid-second round. If that happens Patriots will pick-up a 2nd, 4th.

My mid-4th could be DT Joe Vellano 6’1″ 300, maybe a better need, tho depth at LB is also a needed, (if one of the three is injured) with a pass -cover type LB.
Both my 7th round guys, could added depth, at a fair price, forget signing, any free agents CB or SS, get younger!

I like your thoughts especially the 2 bigger DBs in the 7th but disagree on needing to only get younger in the secondary. I think we need a vet presence to direct and stabilize the young core we have now. I would like to see a bigger WR as well.

I think if Vollmer leaves, OR signs we need a guy, as Vollmer is injury issues. (maybe why we don’t sign him) I like Brian Winters OG/T better to up-grade at OG, But Williams is better at OT.
If we let Vollomer go, Williams could start, at a fraction of the cost, of signing Vollomer.

We r short on picks need to strike rich in area of needs. T Marcus Zusevics, talented, n under coach Dante for over a year now. I also believe a move to G for Cannon would be wise. Beast. Plus there r some healthier, younger, cheaper, just a notch below talent wise available as FA’s.

I like Zusevics, but is he your starter for the Future? Maybe have not seen him play, and he was undrafted, but I watched him on my draft board last year as a 7th rounder.
He is similar to OT Reid Fragel this year , who is on my board as a 7th.

I agree, BB will trade back. I would like to see us with three 2nd picks, if we could trade Mallett, and trade our 1st pick. Will be interesting to see.
My trade short list has, the Bears, who want an Olineman and LBer, Tampa who wants DT and CB, and the Cowboys who want Vaccaro, and Datone Jones.

This would be a very good draft in a trade down scenario even if Vollmer does not leave. It would fill or renforce 3 positions of need. I know Holloman is favored by you and he would be aa excellant selection if we had a full draft card. My concern is that as a LB he will be behind not only the starters but current backups and as ss his ability to stay with the better receiving te’s is questionable. I know with the limited picks something must be passed on I only wish it was not the D-line.

This is a terrible outcome for the Pats. I just can’t see Bill drafting a WR in the first when this draft is considered strong for WR’s in rounds 2-5. Other than a high ranking OL that magically dropped in his lap the 28th pick should really focus on the defensive side of the ball (DB in particular). This has been a problem area for years and it’s not going to get better without the problem being addressed.

To immediately fix defense I see Pats signing FA RIchard Seymour and Ed Reed for a year or 2 to be role players. Seymour instant pass rush,Reed stability in secondary and bark out orders for young secondary. Oline is a must along with WR. Iwoul not be one bit surprised with Bill B taking another top flight te. Or qb Barkely depending on his workouts at combine. COuld be a real steal in draft.

I think your thinking of the Seymour and Reed of 5 or 6 years ago. You just can’t expect them to be the same now. I’m guessing now but I think both these guys would be looking for more money then they would be worth unless they came in with a one year vet minimum tag. If then sure, fine but I still do not see immediate fix for def by them.

I think he did. I have not heard many prognosticators value the QBs in this draft very highly. I don’t think Andy Reid will reach for a guy at 1.01 he doesn’t believe in. Not convince himself to believe in.
Too bad they didn’t draft Wilson in the third last year.
They need to find someone who can keep Bowe engaged though.

Another thing the ctiger is not considering is that SF will be looking to trade Alex Smith. KC has the ammo to make a serious bid for Alex, a proven NFL qb, and a winner at that. You need to keep in mind that Geno is an unproven prospect. Your team does have options, unlike many, in the qb quest. Not a bad thing.

Well managing a game is better then what you got now (1#1). I suspect he’s somewhat better then that though. You really want Geno, I understand but suggest you check him out at the combine to be sure. No disrespect to him or you intended, I just know how I get kind of stuck on one guy sometimes and end up disappointed. Best of luck to you and KC.

Well don’t hold your breath waiting for SF to cut, QB Smith Not happening, they are paying QB Capernic a cheap rate , so paying Smith is a wash. Seattle will be doing the same with QB Flynn . Most teams do it in reverse how ever.
If KC is smart they take the best player with thier draft pick, and that is not a QB !!

Oh boy Russell Ctiger will really be upset if KC goes your route. Still you may be right Andy should be cut some slack by fans out there for a couple years. If he doesn’t take a QB that can win I expect they will be picking in the top 5 or six for the next few seasons. Somewhere along that line he may perhaps find that winner. As for SF and Smith, given the QB class of 13 he could look pretty good to some teams in need. If SF can get a good offer why not pull the trigger, it would give them extra space under the cap plus the extra picks paid for with the savings.

I think Simon is a good prospect that I see as a sub package guy. Both he and Ninkovich are Vrabel like which seems to be the attraction. I just couldn’t justify taking him given our lack of picks. The trade down our 29 for a bunch of sub package and sp teams players doesn’t feel right to me. WE must address our def first.

2nd rd? Maybe he will. I’d be a little more comfortable if BB took him in the 2nd but still from my memory I know most players his size have limited years in the NFL. Early on they can set the game on fire but they usually don’t last so really, if it was me, I’d hold out til the 3rd for him. Just me, and I’m betting he goes well before that but so what.

I like it but I would rather another WR or a DB in the 3rd. I get the Simon pick with the connections to BB but think we have a good bit of serviceable DEs already on the roster already. Personally I am hoping for a 2nd year jump from bequette.

Carradine in many mocks is being played as a 3rd pick but It’s more likely he’s worth at least a mid 2nd and then only because he’s rehabing from injury and may spend time on pup or even ir this year. That makes him a smart pick for any team that can afford to wait for him.

One of the best mock drafts i’ve seen so far, only a few other players i would think other teams would pick. As a patriot fan if Rhodes was still on board i think they would pick him instead of Patton.

My hunch is that Keenan Allen will fall after the Combine. He’s coming off of an injury, and I don’t think he’ll test very well in comparison to the other top receivers. I’m not as high on Patterson as most. Both could easily be 1st-round picks, but that’s not how I see it at the moment.

I understand your thoughts with Allen, no more “what ifs” medical players. Yet no way is Patterson getting past the Pats at 29. He will be a beast. Wow, Jones that late in the 2nd, ill throw a party. Keep him at 270-275 DE, or put on 10-15 n put him next to Wilfolk. Enough with Simon already. We need some “playmakers” to go with the “steady eddies” we already have. Not a knock.

I am big on Simon, But feel he is hard to justify when we only have 5 draft picks, somewhat like Datone Jones. Great player, great value, but, we are very deep at DE. If Simon looked better at LB, I would say, yes as we need depth at LB, But DeVonte Holloman offers more at LB, in pass coverage.
I think we all feel a trade back into the 2nd round is very likely, to add picks , AND still get players that would fit our needs. If Vollmer is gone, because of contract or injury’s, I think an OT at #91 is our best play.

I could be we are looking at John Simon Wrong. He is VERY strong at the point of attack, at 6’11/5″ 260, great leverage, moves well, might be more of a DT, like what Cunningham did this year, only stronger. NOT heavey enough to play every down, But just a thought!